Blue Rock Lake

Freshwater Swimming Holes in Victoria

Of the two designated swimming areas at Blue Rock Lake, the one at the boat ramp and picnic area west of Willow Grove is
by far superior. Here you can walk across lawn right up to the water's edge, then step down onto the bed of reasonably smooth
gravel and continue wading carefree out into the water. Take in the mountain views to the north or catch the early morning
mist on the water for your swim.
The designated swimming area is about 50 metres wide, with no fishing or boating in this area. The hills to the south are bare
and barren, so if you are doing laps up and down, do your breastroke heading north to take in the views, and keep your head down
when heading south.

In front of this swimming area is a large lawn with picnic tables, barbecue facilities and toilets, as well as a car park within
sight of the water. If you are coming with a boat as well, the ramp is a couple of hundred metres to the north of the swimming area. You
can also combine your swim with a walk around part of the lake via the Blue Rock Lake walking track that heads all the way back to Willow Grove along
the foreshore.

The other picnic area near the dam wall, east of Willow Grove, is still ok for swimming, but the bank in this area is a bit
eroded and there are large bluestones scattered in the water that you have to negotiate when wading out to deeper water. The facilities
are similar, but you have to park further away from the water, often at the top of a steep hill, so lugging your picnic and swimming gear is
a bit harder. Head here only if the western picnic area is full.

Here is a video of my swim at Blue Rock Lake on a wonderfully calm morning, with beautiful sunshine piercing through
a light mist on the water.

Essential Information Before You Go:

Location: Old Tanjil Rd, Blue Rock Lake Recreation Area, Willow Grove, 140 km (approx. 90 min drive) east of the Melbourne CBD
Latitude:-38.061085 Longitude:146.177475
Getting there: From the Princes Hwy (M1) at Trafalgar head north along the Willow Grove Road (C463) to Willow Grove. At Willow
Grove, turn left along the C465 (also called Willow Grove Road) for 700 metres then right into Old Tanjil Road. After 400 metres,
veer right into the car park in front of the swimming area.
Facilities: Public toilets with change rooms, car parking, drinking fountain, lawn, sheltered barbecues, picnic
tables, rotunda, walking trail
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Gravel
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No camping, no horses, no fires, dogs must be on a leash, take your rubbish
home with you as there are no bins, no fishing in the swimming area. No cars or trail bikes allowed on the Blue Rock Lake walking track.
Sun shade: Limited shade available on the foreshore. No shade available in the water or along the walking track.
Opening times: Designated as 8am to 8pm on the managing authority's website, but there were no signs or gates restricting opening
times on site when I visited
Wheelchair access: None. The lawn area could be wheelchair accessible as the slope is not overly steep, but there are no designated
wheelchair accessible paths or toilets. The managing authority states on its website that the picnic area is wheelchair accessible, but
on site it didn't look obvious to me.
Managing authority: Southern Rural Water
Accommodation Options: Camping is not permitted around the lake. If you are staying overnight in the area, you can try
accommodation in Willow Grove
near the lake, or accommodation in Moe 20 km to the south.
Nearby attractions:Lake Narracan, just over 20 km to the south-west.

I am not currently aware of any change of conditions reported at this site by the managing authority, or by swimmers on this website.
If you are visiting this swimming spot and have any further updates on any change of conditions, let me know via the comment form below.

Comments:

If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming hole, please fill in the comment box below. I'm particularly interested in your
experiences after visiting, and any changes in swimming conditions.
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